Hamad International Airport (DOH) has achieved impressive growth in its operational performance during the first half of 2024, witnessing a significant increase in passenger traffic of 25%, while aircraft movements and total baggage handled grew by 19% each, and its air cargo operations increased by 12%, compared to the first half of 2023.
Hamad International Airport welcomed 25.9 million passengers during the first half of 2024, an increase of 25% compared to the first half of 2023. This included a 22.1% increase in the number of point-to-point passengers, compared to the same period last year.
The term “point-to-point” refers to passengers travelling directly to and from Doha, reflecting the significant growth in the number of airline partners operating through the airport as well as the boom in Qatar’s growing tourism sector.
New airlines, growth in aircraft movements and cargo operations
Hamad International Airport has further enhanced its network this year by adding new airline partners, including Japan Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, China Southern Airlines and Akasa Airlines India. This is in addition to Iberia, Xiamen Airlines China and Vistara India, which joined the airport’s network late last year.
This growth in the number of airline partners confirms Hamad International Airport’s commitment to enhancing air connectivity and providing more travel options, and has contributed to stimulating the tourism sector, enhancing trade relations, and supporting business relations between the State of Qatar and the world. Hamad International Airport witnessed a 12% growth in the volume of cargo operations, estimated in tonnage, during the first half of this year, compared to the same period last year.
Strong growth in global travel
Demand to and from the Middle East region witnessed a remarkable growth of 45.3%, driven by the recovery of flight operations between the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, especially the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Travel to and from Europe grew by 32.8%, supported by Qatar Airways’ launch of new destinations, capacity increases on existing routes and the start of Iberia services in late 2023.
The Asia-Pacific region also saw significant growth of 20.9%, supported by the addition of four new airlines from the region – including China’s Xiamen Airlines – which started operations in late 2023.
Qatar Airways has increased its capacity in key Asian markets such as Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam, while launching new routes to Cambodia, some Central Asian cities and other Asian cities.
The UK capital, London, emerged as the top destination, with Qatar Airways flying to London Heathrow and Gatwick. Other popular destinations included Bangkok in Thailand, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and Colombo in Sri Lanka.
Stronger performance by year end
Hamad International Airport expects the increase in passenger traffic to continue during the second half of 2024.
Earlier this year, Hamad International Airport announced that it had reached the 50 million passenger mark annually, and it is estimated that it will exceed this number by the end of the year. These indicators confirm the strong position of Hamad International Airport as a global hub and a leading aviation hub.
Hamad International Airport strives to meet and exceed the expectations of its passengers around the world, and has become a distinctive destination in itself for diverse lifestyles. HIA brings together under one roof a variety of hospitality options, entertainment and relaxation facilities, as well as a collection of high-quality works and artworks from some of the world’s most prominent artists.
In 2024, HIA was named the “Best Airport in the World” at the Skytrax World Airport Awards, winning the title for the third time. The airport also won the “World’s Best Airport for Shopping” award for the second year in a row, the “Best Airport in the Middle East” award for the tenth year in a row, the “Best Airport (40-50 Million Passengers)” award, and the “Cleanest Airport in the Middle East” award for the second time.
Hamad International Airport has successfully completed the first phase of its expansion project, which has increased capacity and enhanced the diversity of its services. In its quest to fulfill its promise of being the “airport of the future”, the airport will provide its passengers with a renewed environment of refreshing green spaces, in addition to launching new modern concepts for shopping, hospitality, and other entertainment facilities, through the expansion project.
The Qatar Company for Airports Operation and Management (MATAR), a subsidiary of Qatar Airways Group, manages the commercial and operational operations of the airport.